Quetta Chamber Slams Fuel Price Hike, Demands Tax Relief and End to Checkpost Extortion

Quetta: The Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry has strongly criticized the recent surge in petroleum prices, calling it “unbearable” and harmful for both the public and the business community.

Speaking at a joint press conference, Chamber President Muhammad Ayub Mariani and business leader Akhtar Kakar questioned whether the increase was driven by global oil prices or excessive domestic taxation.

They claimed that petrol prices have reached Rs378 per litre and diesel Rs521 per litre, alleging that Rs150–200 per litre in additional burden is being imposed on consumers through taxes and levies. They asked where the extra revenue is being utilized and whether it is being used to bridge fiscal deficits.

The chamber representatives said that rising fuel costs have triggered inflation in essential goods and transport fares, slowing economic activity and increasing unemployment. They demanded a reduction in petroleum levy and taxes, along with greater transparency in price determination and special tax relief for Balochistan.

Akhtar Kakar further called for a five-year exemption from Federal Board of Revenue taxes in the province and urged the government to end the provision of approximately 30 million litres of free fuel to government officials each month.

He also alleged that extortion is being collected at multiple checkpoints along the route from Gwadar to Quetta on the transportation of Iranian fuel, demanding their immediate removal.

Meanwhile, Ayub Mariani urged Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti to provide free Green Bus service for three months and called for an inquiry into the alleged use of substandard materials in the construction of the Chaman–Karachi highway.